# Hermeus

**Source:** https://geo.sig.ai/brands/hermeus  
**Vertical:** Defense & Aerospace  
**Subcategory:** Hypersonic Aircraft  
**Tier:** Challenger  
**Website:** hermeus.com  
**Last Updated:** 2026-04-14

## Summary

Defense tech company building fastest unmanned hypersonic aircraft for US warfighter; raised $350M at $1B valuation in Apr 2026 led by Khosla Ventures; $500M+ total funding; partnered with Pratt & Whitney on F100 engine modification for Mach 5 flight.

## Company Overview

Hermeus is a Los Angeles-based defense tech company building autonomous hypersonic aircraft capable of flying five times the speed of sound. The company reached unicorn status in April 2026 after closing a $350 million round ($200M equity, $150M debt) led by Khosla Ventures, with participation from Founders Fund, In-Q-Tel, RTX Ventures, Cox Enterprises, and Destiny Tech100.

Hermeus works with RTX subsidiary Pratt & Whitney to modify the F100 engine for hypersonic flight. The company has successfully flown Quarterhorse Mk 2.1 and says supersonic flight is now imminent. Total capital raised exceeds $500 million.

Founded by a team of former SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Generation Orbit engineers, Hermeus focuses on autonomous unmanned fighters for the U.S. Department of Defense, addressing the Pentagon's need for affordable, expendable high-speed aircraft that can operate in contested environments without risking human pilots.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What does Hermeus build?
Autonomous hypersonic aircraft flying at Mach 5+ for the U.S. military.

### How much has Hermeus raised?
$350M at $1B valuation (April 2026). Over $500M total.

### Who are the key investors?
Khosla Ventures, Founders Fund, In-Q-Tel, RTX Ventures, Cox Enterprises.

### What engine does Hermeus use?
Modified Pratt & Whitney F100 engine adapted for hypersonic speeds.

### What is Hermeus' Quarterhorse aircraft?
Quarterhorse is Hermeus' demonstrator aircraft designed to prove out Mach 5 hypersonic flight using a turbine-based combined cycle (TBCC) engine. It serves as a stepping stone toward Halcyon, Hermeus' planned commercial hypersonic passenger aircraft.

### What makes Hermeus' propulsion technology unique?
Hermeus uses a turbine-based combined cycle engine that transitions from conventional jet operation at lower speeds to a ramjet mode at hypersonic speeds. This approach avoids the need for separate rocket propulsion, making it more practical and reusable for both military and commercial applications.

### What are Hermeus' military contracts?
Hermeus holds contracts with the US Air Force and DARPA for hypersonic aircraft development, including programs related to high-speed intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) as well as potential strike platforms. The Air Force Research Laboratory is a key partner.

### When does Hermeus plan to fly passengers commercially?
Hermeus targets the early 2030s for its Halcyon commercial hypersonic jet, which would carry 20 passengers at Mach 5, cutting transatlantic flight times to under 90 minutes. The company's military demonstrator work is intended to de-risk the technology before commercial deployment.

## Tags

hardware, manufacturing, b2b

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*Data from geo.sig.ai Brand Intelligence Database. Updated 2026-04-14.*